A PRIMARY school has been rewarded for putting the wellbeing and happiness of children at the start of their journey through education at the core of their ethos.

Corporation Road Community Primary School in Darlington has received the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) for its commitment to the emotional wellbeing and mental health of its pupils.

The Wellbeing Award report stated that Corporation Road values mental health and wellbeing as a founding principle and is extremely effective at supporting pupils, staff colleagues and parents.

The focus is particularly important as more than 50 per cent of the pupils at the primary school do not have English as their first language and can sometimes feel isolated if unable to express themselves to their peers or tutors.

Ann Pringleton, headteacher at Corporation Road, said: “Since I became headteacher in 2015, my ethos has been 'all of the children, all of the time'.

"School should be a safe place for children and adults to succeed and have all worked very hard to create a nurturing environment where children, staff and parents can develop, grow and feel a sense of belonging within our community school.

“Working towards the Wellbeing Award for Schools has focused us on key areas with which we can provide the school community with greater clarity around emotional health and wellbeing.

"We are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families and are honoured to be recognised for our hard work in this area.”

It is the third year the school has received the award.

Nick Blackburn, chief executive of Lingfield Education Trust, of which Corporation Road is part, said: “This is the latest mark of excellence for Corporation Road which was recently named as one of the best in the country for pupil progress, ranking in the top one per cent in England for progress in Years two and six for writing and maths.

“Over 50 per cent of pupils don’t have English as their first language and Ann and the leadership team are determined to address any potential barriers for children.

"The development of effective support strategies for mental health and wellbeing and a culture of mutual respect show that Corporation Road is a school to be proud of.”